Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things

Ghost Stories original: 怪談 (Kwaidan)

...polished planking, and around pillared corners too many to remember, and over amazing widths of matted floor—into the middle of some vast apartment. There he sensed that many high-ranking people were gathered: the sound of rustling silk was like the sound of leaves in a forest. He also heard a great humming of voices, talking in low tones; and their manner of speaking was the formal speech of the imperial court.

Hōïchi was told to make himself comfortable, and he found a kneeling cushion ready for him. After taking his place upon it and tuning his instrument, the voice of a woman—whom he guessed to be the Rōjo original: Rōjo; a senior matron or lady-in-waiting in charge of the female servants, or matron in charge of the female service—addressed him, saying:

"It is now required that the history of the Heiké The Taira clan, a major Japanese family of the 12th century be recited, accompanied by the biwa original: biwa; a short-necked Japanese lute used for narrative storytelling."

Now, the entire recital would have required many nights; therefore, Hōïchi ventured a question:

"Since the whole story cannot be told quickly, which portion is it your honorable wish that I now recite?"

The woman’s voice answered:

"Recite the story of the battle at Dan-no-ura The final naval battle of the Genpei War (1185) where the Heiké clan was destroyed—for its tragedy is the most profound."¹

¹ Or the phrase might be translated as, "for the sorrow of that..."